august 2013 daily safety focus

7/30/2019 August 2013 Daily Safety Focus

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August 2013Morning Safety Focus

Make SAFETY A Way of Life! one day at a time!


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August 1 - Four Ways to Prevent a Dog Bite

August 2 - Youre the loser

August 3 - Safety Appeal

August 4 - How to Lift and Carry Safely

August 5 - Evasive Maneuvers

August 6 - Storms: Protecting Yourself, Co-workers, and Family

August 7 - Don't Spoil Your Summer Fun!

August 8 - Know Your Enemies - Workplace Hazards

August 9 - The individuals responsibility

August 10 Safety is up to you

August 11 - Why Safety Belts?

August12 - Safe Backing

August 13 - Its Up To You...

August 14 - Hot Weather Can Kill You

August 15 - Highway Work Zones Are Hazardous

August 16 Stay on guard

August 17 - A product to produce



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August 18 - Road Rage - A Father's Wish

August 19 - Get A Handle On Stress!

August 20 - Deer Mice Carry Deadly Virus

August 21 - Food Poisoning Can Kill

August 22 - Hazardous Waste around Your Home

August 23 On your own time

August 24 - Safety attitude

August 25 - Use the Correct Hand Tool

August 26 - Safe On Your Time

August 27 - Falls Cause Serious Injuries

August 28 - Take This Quiz to See if You Drive Distracted

August 29 - Keep the Sting Out of Summer

August 30 Participate in safety

August 31 - Cuts and lacerations



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Four Ways to Prevent a Dog Bite August1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 4.7 millionpeople are bitten by dogs each year. Tragically, children and the elderly are the mostfrequent victims. What's more, statistics prove that the majority of biting canines are not

stray Pit Bulls, but our own household dogs!

Why dogs bite

Most dog bites are reported as "unprovoked." However, something causes a dog to bite,and victims are often taken by surprise.

Many people see dogs as gentle, devoted creatures that live to serve and rescue. Butbeneath that soft fur is a predatory hunter. Domesticated or not, dogs live by theirinstincts. These instincts tell them to chase prey, guard their territory, protect their youngand defend themselves when cornered.

Learn how to protect yourself

Some people think that if you encounter an aggressive, frightened or otherwisedangerous dog, you're bound to receive a nasty bite. But there are ways you can protectyourself. Here's how.

1. Learn the warning signsDogs constantly communicate and usually give some type of warning before they bite.Most warning signs you can see; others you hear. They include:

Growling, snarling or aggressive barkingShyness or fear, such as when a dog crouches, has his head low or tail betweenhis legsFur raised up, ears erect, body stiff, tail high

An unnaturally still or unresponsive dog (many fighting breeds have been bred fortheir ability to disguise aggressive intentions)

A dog in pain will bite anyone that touches him -- even his owner

2. Avoid dangerous situationsFollow these tips to avoid coming face-to-face with a biting dog:

Stay away from dogs that are in cars, chained or cornered -- they often feelvulnerable and will bite to protect their territoryNever run past a dog -- joggers and children on bicycles can trigger their instinct tochase and attackDon't go near a dog that's eating, chewing, sleeping or caring for puppiesNever tease a dog or play too roughBe careful around older dogs -- they may be blind, sensitive to touch or hearing-impairedNever leave infants or children alone with a dog -- according to the CDC, infantstop the list for dog-related deaths



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Never try to break up a dog fight with your hands; use a water hose, stick, or throwa blanket over the dogs to disorient them (children should call an adult for help)Keep your face away from your dog's face, especially when disciplining

3. Know self-defense moves

Many people are bitten because they unintentionally provoke or escalate an attack. Ifyou're approached by an aggressive dog, don't make eye contact or move suddenly,says Mitzi Robinson, who runs Bulli Ray Enterprises, a dog-bite prevention company inSan Diego, CA. This can challenge a dog and cause him to attack. Stand motionless,like a statue. Face the dog, but turn your head away.

If a dog lunges at you, don't try to overpower him. If you're holding something, put it intohis mouth. "If you don't have anything in your hand, put your arm up to protect yourface," Robinson says. If you're knocked to the ground, don't move or scream. Pretendthat you are a turtle: curl up in a ball face down, and cover your head with your arms.Stay in this position until the dog leaves.

4. Make your dog people-safeTake your dog to training classes -- develop his respect for humansYour dog should be part of the family -- unsocialized, "outdoor" dogs bite morefrequently than "indoor" dogsEstablish house rules and standards of behavior for your dog -- this will make yourpet happier, more respectful and safer to be around

Dogs are magnificent creatures, but you must fully understand them to safely co-existtogether. Once you've learned to respect dogs, they can truly be your best friend.

What to Do If You're BittenIf you are bitten and don't know the dog, try to remember what he looked like andwhere he went. Your doctor needs to rule out the possibility of a rabies infection.Wash your wounds with plenty of warm, soapy water or saline solution, and cover witha clean, dry dressing. Call your doctor immediately. Renee Ralls, a home-care nursein Sonoma County, CA, warns, "Be sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.Tetanus is a common virus, and infections can be fatal."Report the incident to the police, your local health department, and an animal controlagency.



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Youre the loser August 2

Cost of living, inflation, and taxesthese are the topics we are all concerned about. Theyre topics

that creep into every conversation at home and at work because they deal with money.

But it is funny how many people express concern over living costs and then ignore a very importantfactor in keeping costs at a minimum. Im talking about safety. If you think that safety doesnt havemuch to do with the cost of living youd better listen to this:

On the job accidents cost the US economy about 3.4 Million dollars every hour of every workday. Thepeople who compile these statistics go on to say that this adds up to 6.8 Billion dollars per year.

The total includes 1.5 Billion dollars in lost wages, 3.8 Billion dollars in lost production, and 1.5 Billiondollars in medical expenses and that is just the measurable part of the costs.

This is a substantial drain on the economy and we all pay for it in our rolls as taxpayers, wageearners and consumers. But each of us as an individual is a big loser when were injured. This is whysafety should be important to cost-conscious people. Its not the only reason for being safe, howeverit may be the only reason some people understand.

Safety is part of doing a good job. You cant get hurt and still do a good job. When an injury occurs,theres something wrong, and the injured person is the first to find out about it. Thats in the form ofpain and suffering.

You might ask, if this is true, then why do some people ignore safety rules? There are many goodanswers to that, but wed all have to be psychiatrists to understand them. However there are somethat are quite obvious.

Many people are likely to break safety rules that they consider unimportant or contrary to theirphilosophy of life. This might be based on an over-inflated sense of self-importance.

People who disregard safety rules may also be reckless both on and off the job. Theyre confidentthat accidents always happen to the other guy. They have manufactured a false sense of security.

As previously noted, there are many good reasons for being safe, but it all narrows down to just oneyou. You either play it safe or trust your luck. There is no in between. You either make safety a partof your job or you become a chance taker. A chance takers working career can be very short.

Hazards exist in many forms. We attempt to keep them at a minimum around here and our goal is to

send you home in good condition at the end of each workday. However we can only do it with yourcooperation. You are important to this job or you wouldnt be here, youre also important to yourfamily and your community.

So dont be a loser. Treat safety with the respect it deserves. When you lose at the game of chancetaking, you lose BIG.



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Safety Appeal August 3

We all have a natural tendency to want to be safe. Put another way, psychologists say that normal

individuals possess certain desires through which safety becomes appealing. These desires include:Avoiding personal injuryAvoiding personal lossReward seekingStriving for leadershipExcellingPreventing injuries to others

Avoiding making an unfavorable impressionAvoiding punishment

Its easy to recognize that all of these things do have safety appeal. However, lets take a look at twoof the more obvious ones, the desire to avoid personal injury and the desire to avoid personal loss.

Personal injury and personal loss are things we all want to escape, but many of us do little on ourown to help avoid accidents that cause them. There are things that can be done on the job to helpprevent painful incidents, particularly those caused by unsafe acts.

First of all, no matter how good you are at your job or how long you youve been around, dont takesafety for granted. Always keep youre your personal guard up. When you let it down, you areexposing yourself and others to accidents.

Second, take time to be safe. Dont take a chance that an accident wont happen this time. Takingshortcuts or not taking time to use a safety device is a quick way to get involved in an accident.

A third way to avoid unsafe acts is to form good working habits. There is a right way to do every job,

and the right way is always the safe way. Accept the fact that accidents dont just happen to the otherguy, or at least be realistic enough to acknowledge that you are the other guy to everyone but you.

The awful truth is that accidents play no favorites. They can happen to anyone.

Take a few minutes to look ahead. Try to visualize your name on an accident report. It could happen,but it doesnt have to if you take the simple precautions we have outlined.

The people who compiled the list of personal desires that can be used to promote safety alsosuggested that there are certain character traits that can be stimulated to make us safety conscious.

Some of these traits are selfishness, ambition, compassion, pride, and a sense of responsibility,loyalty, imagination, and patriotism.

I guess we all have to be a little elfish, at least to the extent of wanting to keep ourselves safe, butcertainly not at the expense of others. A sense of responsibility to our families should certainly be anincentive to do our utmost to stay safe and do a good job.



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Pride and ambition, when applied in the right way are also commendable traits. Pride in our work anda desire to get ahead fit in well with being safe. We cant keep a job and get the things we want out oflife if were injured and unable to work.

Our safety program depends on everyone, so be sure to hold up your end of the effort. Be observant.

Regularly attempt to spot hazards in advance. Anyone can spot a hazard after it has injuredsomeone.



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How to Lift and Carry Safely August4

Lifting and carrying are power jobs -- when you lift and carry the wrong way, you candamage your back. Back injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace,causing approximately 900,000 disabling injuries in 2011. Over half of these injuries are

from lifting.

Back injuries may be difficult to treat and may have lengthy and expensive rehabilitationtimes. Whether you are lifting at home or at work, make an effort to take care of yourback. The National Safety Council recommends a number of tips to prevent unintentionalinjuries and to keep your back strong and healthy.

Power warm-ups

You will work better if you start each day with slow stretches. These warm-ups let youease comfortably into your workday and help you avoid injuries.

Leg and back warm-up

Prop one foot on a chair or a stool for support.Take a deep breath.Ease forward slowly -- keep your back slightly curved.Blow slowly outward as you ease forward to a seven count.Repeat seven times.Switch and do the same with the other foot.

Backbend

Stand with your feet about 12 inches apart.Support the small of your back with your hands.Hold your stomach in firmly and take a deep breath.Arch backward -- bend your head and neck as you go, blowing air slowly out for

seven counts.Repeat seven times.

Power lifting tips

Protect your hands and feet by wearing safety gear.

Size up the load -- tip it on its side to see if you can carry it comfortably.Get help if the load is too big or bulky for one person. Check for nails, splinters, rough strapping and sharp edges.Lift it right -- make sure your footing is solid.Keep your back straight, with no curving or slouching.Center your body over your feet, get a good grip on the object and pull it close to

you. Pull your stomach in firmly.



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Lift with your legs, not your back; if you need to turn, move your feet and don't twistyour back.

Tough lifting jobs

Oversized loads -- do not try to carry a big load alone; ask for help. Work as ateam by lifting, walking and lowering the load together. Let one person call theshots and direct the lift. Use proper mechanical devices for heavy loads.

High loads -- use a step stool or a sturdy ladder to reach loads that are aboveyour shoulders. Get as close to the load as you can and slide the load toward you.Do all the work with your arms and legs, not your back.

Low loads -- loads that are under racks and cabinets need extra care. Pull theload toward you, then try to support it on one knee before you lift. Use your legs topower the lift.

Always ... use your stomach as a low back support by pulling it in during lifting.

Remember ... a strong, healthy, powerful back is vital to your job. It also helps youenjoy life. Take pains to avoid injuries by making it a full-time job to take care of yourback!



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Evasive Maneuvers August5

A car stops suddenly in front of you...

An oncoming vehicle strays into your lane...

A frightened animal bounds onto the road...

You know you are a good driver. But are you prepared for action when the unexpected orsomeone else's poor driving puts you in a tight spot? Keep these principles in mind:

Maintain an Escape RouteTry not to get boxed in when driving on multi-lane roads. That way if some-one makes awrong move, you'll be able to go left or right rather than having to stop dead in your tracks.On a two-lane road, your escape route is to the right, off the roadway. Watch for roadsidehazards that can make this difficult. Adjust your speed so you meet up with oncoming cars ata spot where you have room to maneuver.

Use Brakes CarefullyThe impulse in a dangerous situation is to hit the brakes. If your vehicle is not equipped withanti-lock brakes, slamming on the brakes can cause you to skid completely out of control.Press the brakes evenly and smoothly, backing off the brakes slightly if the wheels start tolock up. This way you'll slow down without losing control.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not stab at the brakes but apply firm pressure untilthe vehicle comes to a stop.

Swerve, Don't BrakeWhenever possible, use your steering wheel instead of your brakes. Be prepared to swervearound an unexpected obstacle. Drive with your hands on the left and right sides of thewheel (at "9 and 3 o'clock"), so you have leverage to turn it 180 degrees in either directionwhile keeping your hands firmly engaged. Be prepared to swerve sharply and then return thewheel to its normal position as quickly as you swerved. Guide your vehicle back to the path itwas following before the emergency. If necessary, go right off the road to avoid hitting avehicle head-on. Even going into a ditch is better than a head-on collision.

When It's Best to Speed UpSometimes you can get out of a jam by speeding up. If you're already in an intersection and

someone is coming at you from the side, it's best to step on the accelerator rather thanslamming on the brakes. If you did stop suddenly, you could not only lose control and swerveinto oncoming traffic, but you could also be hit by the car coming from the side and the onebehind you.



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Making a Hard ChoiceWhat if you can't avoid hitting some-thing? Even then, you may have some choices.

If you have a chance to choose what you hit, the best thing to hit is some-thing soft, likebushes or shrubs. The next best choice is a vehicle that is moving in the same direction as

you. Pick a stationary object rather than one that is coming at you. A target that will absorbenergy, such as a parked car, is better than one that is rigid, such as a wall. Whatever youhit, try to sideswipe it rather than hit it head-on.

You can't control all that happens on the road. But being prepared for an emergency bydriving defensively, keeping an escape route open, and knowing how to handle your brakesand steering wheel in an evasive maneuver can help you avoid becoming a victim of theunexpected.



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Storms: Protecting Yourself, Co-workers, and Family August 6

Residents in many areas of the United States are aware of the hazards presented bythunderstorms. But do you know, to borrow an expression from Paul Harvey, "the rest of thestory." How do you protect yourself, your co-workers, and your family during thunderstorms?The first step is to know what is happening in your area. When severe weather is imminent,do you know what to do?

If a tornado strike is imminent, take the following action:In Open CountrySeek inside shelter if it is close by and time permits. If there is not time to escape, lie flat inthe nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine. A parked vehicle is unsafe as a shelterduring a tornado or severe windstorm and should be avoided.In Office BuildingsThe basement or an interior hallway on a lower floor of an office building is safest. Upperstories are unsafe. If there is not time to descend, a closet or small room with stout walls(bathroom), or an inside hallway will give some protection against flying debris. Otherwise,get under heavy furniture. Select and mark shelter areas in office buildings.Auditoriums, and Other Large Buildings with Wide, Free-Span RoofsBuildings of this type are particularly vulnerable to tornado wind damage due to the largeroof expanse upon which the wind force may act and also the relatively large area betweenroof supporting walls. Basements of these buildings offer reasonably good protection, as dosmaller interior rooms at ground level or nearby sturdy buildings.In Homes without BasementsTake cover in the smallest room with stout walls, or under heavy furniture, or a tipped-overupholstered couch or chair in the center part of the house. Stay away from windows, doors,and outside walls. Protect your head.

When lightning (thunderstorms) threatens, get inside a home or large building. Keep awayfrom windows, exterior doors, water faucets, main distribution frame, switch equipment,electrical appliances, etc. If outdoors, with no time to reach a building or vehicle, followthese rules:

Get out and away from open water. Gets away from bicycles, motor cycles, and wheeled andtrack equipment. Stay away from aerial lines, down-guys, pedestals, towers, wire fences,clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, or other metallic paths which could carry lightning to you.Stay away from small, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Avoid beingthe highest object on the surrounding landscape. In open areas, go to a low place such as a

ravine or valley. In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.Don't get under a natural lightning rod such as a tall tree. If you are isolated in a field andyour hair stands on end (indicating lightning is about to strike), drop to your knees and bendforward putting your hands on your knees. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.When sitting in, or driving a vehicle, you are protected by the shell of the vehicle. Do nottouch the door handle or any metal object in the vehicle. Thunder, the sound of lightning,travels at 1/5 mile per second. Count the time that elapses between your first sight of thelightning flash and the sound of the thunder to determine how close the lightning is.



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After the storm (or other emergency), our priority is to locate family members who were indifferent locations when the storm struck. Designate a relative or friend in another city orstate as the contact following a disaster. Without a contact plan, families frantically searchand add to the already overloaded emergency management communications system.

If you don't have a family emergency action plan, take time to develop one. Make certaineveryone knows the safest place to seek shelter in the event of a tornado, the rendezvouspoint to use if lightning strikes the house and starts a fire. Pre-planning saves lives.Reacting at the height of the storm (without a plan) may place you needlessly in harm's way.



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Don't Spoil Your Summer Fun! August 7

Don't take a vacation from safety! Summer activities have many hazards, so don't let anaccident spoil your fun.

Here are some reminders for summer recreational safety:- When traveling - whether to a nearby lake or across the country - drive safely. Allowenough time to drive within the speed limit and to rest frequently. Wear your seat belt andinsist everyone does the same.- Wear the appropriate Personal Flotation Device in a boat. You can be thrown into thewater unexpectedly if the boat collides with another watercraft or an underwater object, or ifa sudden storm swamps the vessel. Even in the summer, lakes and rivers can be coldenough to cause hypothermia leading to death.- Don't mix alcohol with water sports, boating or driving. Fatal collisions, diving accidentsand drowning are too often the result of alcohol consumption.- Protect your skin from exposure to the sun. Sunbathing can be an unsafe activity becauseit can lead to skin cancer without proper protection. Wear hats and clothing to protect yourskin when outdoors, and apply sunscreen.- Drink water frequently to prevent dehydration and heat illness. Soft drinks and coffee donot count because they can actually deplete the body's supply of fluid.- Get in shape before trying strenuous sports. If you don't, the result can be strainedmuscles or worse injuries. Warm up slowly, and take the time to cool down after yourworkout.- Wear the right gear to prevent injuries. Helmets and pads are necessary for rollerblading.Sturdy boots with ankle support help prevent hiking injuries.- Never use a candle or a heater in a tent. The result can be a fire from which there is noescape.- Prevent forest fires to protect lives and property. Build a campfire only where permitted,and make sure it is completely out before you move on.- Keep your eye on the weather, so you can get to shore or shelter before lightning or windsput you in jeopardy.- Protect your personal security at all times - on the road, in parking lots, at parks andcampgrounds. Most people are there to have a good time just like you, but a few will preyon unwary vacationers. Lock your doors and stay alert. Know where your family membersare at all times when you are traveling away from home.- Eat a nutritious diet, and get enough sleep and rest. Good health habits will help you stayalert, strong and able to ward off accidents.The summer season is a time to escape from your everyday concerns and really enjoy life.Just be sure to take safety with you!



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Know Your Enemies - Workplace Hazards August 8

If you and your buddies were facing a dangerous, deceptive enemy, you'd want to find out allyou could about it and share any information you come up with. The fact is you do have

such a treacherous enemy - the workplace hazard. An unnoticed hazard can take your life inan instant, or cause you a lifetime of suffering and disability. It only makes sense to learn allyou can about workplace hazards. Sharing information with your co-workers helps keep all ofyou safe.

Training and communication are the basis of an injury prevention program in the workplace.The company provides you with the information and training you need to identify and avoidhazards. It is important for you to also seek this information on your own, and to becontinually alert to new dangers.

Safety information is shared in a number of ways. One person explains things to anotherperson, individually or in a group training session. Training workbooks, videos and livedemonstrations make the information easier to remember. Trainees get to try out proceduresand safety equipment under the supervision of an experienced person.

Safety communication continues on a daily basis. Signs and posters are common devices forpassing along safety information. They point out hazards such as the possibility of objectsfalling from overhead or the presence of flammable liquid vapors. They also tell you what todo to avoid injury - wear your hardhat, or don't smoke. Signs also point the way to equipmentto be used in case of an emergency - fire extinguishers, first aid kits and exits are some ofthese.

Labels are another common source of safety information. On a container of chemicals, thelabel will tell you the contents, hazards and what to do in case of a spill or exposure.

The Material Safety Data sheet is another method of communicating safety informationabout chemicals. It contains the same type of information as the label, but in greater detail.Our company's system of reporting injuries, accidents and close calls is another importantlink in safety communications. This gives your co-workers valuable information about thekinds of hazards lurking in the work area.

If you know or suspect a workplace hazard, report it.If you have safety information, share it.Keep the lines of communication open to defeat the enemy - the workplace hazard.



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The individuals responsibility August 9

We are all aware of the fact that a very large percentage of the injuries that occur on the jobare caused directly by the person injured. Only about ten-percent of the injuries are causedby defective equipment or other factors. These fact indicate that each individual must be

primarily responsible for his or her own safety.

Management and supervision are often looked upon as being responsible for safety. It iscertainly a fact that without proper interest on the part of management and supervision, asafety program cannot be effective. However, the worker must realize that he or she, morethat anyone else, must be responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of their co-workers. In other words a worker must be his brothers keeper.

For example, a simple construction ladder can be built to the best-known safetyspecifications. It can be properly stored and frequently inspected for defects. However, whenan individual uses it and it is not properly placed, if the footing is insecure, or if the ladder

has not been properly tie off, it is entirely likely that someone will be injured. So the workerwho is using the ladder must realize that he or she, personally, is the most important factor inpreventing accidents.

Let us bear in mind that we, as individuals, must constantly be alert to the hazards aroundus. If we personally cannot remove the hazard, then the hazard must be called to theattention of those in authority.

If any of you have additional thought on this subject, lets have them. Remember it takes theone hundred percent cooperation of each individual to make a job safe. Your help inpreventing serious accidents on the job is needed. We really are our brothers keeper!



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Safety is up to you August 10

Each of us is responsible for his or her own safety. We can tell you and warn you, but youmust be the doer. You are the one in the work area and that is where the accidents can takeplace unless you play it safe all the time. If you do, there will be no accidents, they just wont

happen.

Workers mishandling their jobs causes most accidents. In other words, a worker who doesthings that he or she should not do or who doesnt do things that he or she should, causesaccidents.

If you check through one hundred accident reports, you will find the same ratiothe personwho got hurt could have prevented at least nine out of ten accidents. Usually he or she justfailed to use good common sense. They did not do as well as they knew how to do, anddidnt follow the safe work practices they knew or should have known.

It is easy to keep from getting hurt, but it is also easy to get hurt. In some situations, it iseasy to lose a finger or a hand or even be killed. Handling a hammer the wrong way canmean a smashed finger or thumb. Cutting towards you can mean a sliced hand or possibly amore serious injury.

Lack of care in placing and using a ladder can result in a broken leg or arm or even a neck.Failure to watch your walking habits can get you some nasty falls. We could continue all daywith such examples, and you could too!

Its the ordinary things that cause most of the injuries. Notice that in every case, theresponsibility for acting in a safe manner and avoiding injury lies with he individual. If he or

she lives up to his or her own responsibility no one would get hurt.Why do people get hurt in such ways? No doubt each accident victim has a different versionor excuse, but Ill bet the real reason is nearly always the same. The poor guy just neverfigured out what a bad injury would do to him or her.

If a fellow who fell off the ladder, breaking his leg, had figured out what it would cost inmoney and suffering they would have played it safe. Every injury cost money, suffering,discomfort and inconvenience. So lets play it safe. There is no profit in accidents.



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Why Safety Belts? August 11

To understand the value of safety belt use, it's important to understand some of thedynamics of a crash. Every motor vehicle crash is actually comprised of three collisions.

The Car's CollisionThe first collision is known as the car's collision, which causes the car to buckle and bendas it hits something and comes to an abrupt stop. This occurs in approximately one-tenth ofa second. The crushing of the front end absorbs some of the force of the crash andcushions the rest of the car. As a result, the passenger compartment comes to a moregradual stop than the front of the car.

The Human CollisionThe second collision occurs as the car's occupants hit some part of the vehicle. At themoment of impact, unbelted occupants are still travelling at the vehicle's original speed. Justafter the vehicle comes to a complete stop, these unbelted occupants will slam into thesteering wheel, the windshield, or some other part of the vehicle interior. This is the humancollision.

Another form of human collision is the person-to-person impact. Many serious injuries arecaused by unbelted occupants colliding with each other. In a crash, occupants tend to movetoward the point of impact, not away from it. People in the front seat are often struck byunbelted rear-seat passengers who have become high-speed projectiles.

The Internal CollisionEven after the occupant's body comes to a complete stop, the interal organs are still movingforward. Suddenly, these organs hit other organs or the skeletal system. This third collisionis the internal collision and often causes serious or fatal injuries.

So, Why Safety Belts?During a crash, properly fastened safety belts distribute the forces of rapid deceleration overlarger and stronger parts of the person's body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. Thesafety belt stretches slightly to slow your body down and to increase its stopping distance.The difference between the belted person's stopping distance and the unbelted person'sstopping distance is significant. It's often the difference between life and death.



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Safe Backing August 12

To many, safe backing of a vehicle seems like a common, ordinary task. Think about how avehicle is designed, it is designed for forward movement. That is where our unobstructedview is concentrated. Unlike going forward, when we have to back we generally concentrate

on our mirrors, thus leaving room for errors.While concentration is the key to backing any vehicle, there are other aspects of backing thatare just as important. In the Accident Prevention Handbook, there are references to a few ofthese. The #1 on any list is to avoid any unnecessary backing. If you must back, then do itupon your arrival. This is when the surroundings are freshest in your mind. Get into thehabit of parking so when you are ready to leave you can simply pull forward. If you must goaround the block looking for another place to park instead of backing in then, thats what weneed to do.

When two or more employees are present, one of the employees must aid the driver/ driverswhen backing any vehicle(s). When working alone and you must back up, proceed slowly

and cautiously. Continuously look in all your mirrors for changing conditions.No matter how long you have been stopped, before you proceed in backing up, get out andvisually check behind your vehicle. Make sure no one pulled up between your mirrors or intoa blind spot.

These methods are not new to anyone. They are the same tried and true methods that havebeen around for a long time. The only difference is we do not always practice safe backingor look for ways to eliminate it altogether.

We are still subject to our old habits. We need to make that concentrated effort in order toreverse this habit and practice.



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Its Up To You... August 13

Who is responsible for your safety on the job? Is it the government, the company, your bossor the other members of the crew? Actually, all of them have a responsibility for your safety.

But ultimately, the challenge is yours.Taking responsibility for your own safety is a full-time job. This is how to do it:

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your work environment can change from

one moment to the next with the approach of a vehicle, something falling fromoverhead or the presence of an intruder. Stay alert.

Upgrade your workplace safety training on a regular basis. Take advantage of

company training sessions. Review the operators manual for equipment you use, andcompany safety documents such as the emergency plan.

Keep up your first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. Community

organizations offer sessions at off-work hours. If you have a chance to sit in on some

hazardous material information sessions or, in Canada, a Workplace HazardousMaterials Information System (WHMIS) orientation, do so.

Talk about safety with your team members. In the break room, at meetings and in

one-on-one conversations, put the focus on safety.

Perform your own workplace inspections. Maybe other inspectors will have

overlooked the faded sign marking the eyewash station or the fire door that wont stayclosed.

Look for solutions to safety problems. When you find something wrong, try to figure

out how to make it right. If a machine guard is inadequate, perhaps you can go to yoursupervisor with a practical plan for beefing it up.

Dont be afraid to point out unsafe practices by your fellow workers, using common

sense and courtesy, of course. And encourage them to do the same for you. Whenyou make a mistake, it is better to be embarrassed than electrocuted.

Dont let someone else, even your supervisor, direct you do something you believe to

be unsafe. If somebody tells you it is okay to enter a confined space unprotected, theyare wrong. Its just possible your boss could use some more safety training too.

Take a term on the joint health and safety committee at your workplace. Regulated by

law and made up of employees and management, these committees provide a forumfor safety concerns. They make regular inspections, review incidents and try to makethe working environment safer.

You can do a lot to keep your fellow workers safe, and they can do a lot for you. Butin the end, you are responsible for your own safety.



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Hot Weather Can Kill You August 14

If you work outdoors in hot weather, or work in other hot environments, you are at risk forheat illnesses. The most serious of these illnesses is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition

requiring immediate medical attention.

Take these precautions to avoid heat illness:

Take it easy. Working in a hot environment is a stress on your body, so dont overdo

it. Take frequent short breaks.

Drink plenty of water, and drink it frequently. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks

containing caffeine which can contribute to dehydration.

Dress in lightweight fabrics that provide ventilation. Light colors are cooler than dark

colors which absorb the suns heat.

Know you are at particular risk for heat illness if you are overweight, in poor health,

poor physical condition, have heart disease, diabetes or other medical conditions.

Know the symptoms of heat illness:

Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating which can deplete the body of salt. They

may be accompanied by hot, moist skin and a slightly elevated body temperature. Thecramps in the arms, legs or stomach can occur while you are working, or when youare relaxing after your shift. Heat cramps are a danger signal of heat stress.

Heat exhaustion may be characterized by heavy sweating, strong thirst, cool and

moist skin, a quick pulse, rapid breathing, nausea, a feeling of fatigue and possiblyfainting. Heat exhaustion indicates the bodys mechanism for controlling heat isbeginning to break down.

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that can quickly proceed tounconsciousness and death. It occurs when the body loses too much salt and waterso that sweating stops. At that point, the bodys temperature control mechanism failsand body temperature increases rapidly. Symptoms include hot, red, dry skin, a quickpulse, difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, strange behavior, weakness andnausea. Heat stroke can quickly progress to convulsions, coma, loss of pulse and anextreme body temperature. Death can follow rapidly.

Know how to treat heat illness:

Treat heat cramps by moving into the shade and loosening clothing. Drink a lightly

salted liquid. If cramps persist, seek medical help.

For heat exhaustion, cool the victim as fast as possible, fanning and pouring water on

the victim if necessary. Have the victim drink water and call immediately for medicalhelp.

For heat stroke, immediately begin cooling the victim to lower the body temperature

as fast as possible. Immerse him in water or use ice to cool his body. Call for anambulance immediately.



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Other hot weather hazards:

Sunburn is another hazard of hot weather. Not only is sunburn a painful condition, but

it can contribute to skin cancer. Cover up to prevent sunburn. A hat with a brim, long-sleeved shirt and pants rather than shorts can help prevent burning. Use a sun blockwith a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Try to stay out of the sun during thepeak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Too much bright sunlight can cause temporary eyestrain and permanent eye damage.

Exposure to the sun can damage the retina inside the eye, and contribute to thedevelopment of cataracts which cloud the vision. Protect your eyes from exposure tothe suns rays. Wear sunglasses which provide protection against both UVA and UVBultraviolet radiation.

Hot weather can bring a host of hazards. Take precautions to prevent heat illness andsunburn.



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Highway Work Zones Are Hazardous August 15

Look for more construction on U.S. highways this year - and more danger to constructionworkers and the motoring public. The large federal allotment of money to upgrade the

nations roads means more construction zones than usual. These work zones are hazardousto drivers and construction workers alike. In addition, utility workers who have to move orupgrade services along roadways are also exposed to traffic.

As a motorist, you need to be extra alert this summer to construction zones along the streetsand highways. Watch for warning signs which indicate you are nearing a work zone. Loweryour speed in preparation for a stop and watch for further signs, barriers and flag persons.Be aware of traffic patterns around you in case you need to make a lane change or suddenstop. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of crash in work zones, an indicationdrivers are not paying attention. Other crashes occur when the driver loses control of thevehicle on gravel or because a tire drops off an abrupt pavement edge. When a single laneis used for traffic moving both directions, head-on collisions can occur when someoneignores the directions of a flag person or a pilot vehicle. Motorists are also struck by heavymachinery such as graders and excavators.

It is easy to start ignoring work zone warnings if they are inaccurate, but that can prove to bea fatal mistake. Dont speed up until you are positive there is no obstruction ahead. Roadcrews should ensure the signs are placed at an appropriate distance ahead of the hazardand are removed when the roadway has been cleared. There may be times whenconstruction signs are left up, even after construction has stopped for the day. It can befrustrating to approach an area with caution only to find all activity has ceased, but dont letyour frustrations get to you. All construction zones should be treated with caution. Continueto drive in a controlled manner and to observe highway conditions.

Driving too fast is also a leading cause of work zone crashes. Police are cracking down onconstruction area speeders, and in some areas fines are double for speeding in work zones.There is good reason for concern. The National Traffic Safety Administration reports that 658people died in highway work zones in 2010, including workers struck by vehicles.

The construction this year intended to make highways safer will also create morework zones. Fatalities are likely to be increased unless both motorists and workcrews are extremely safety-conscious.



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Stay on Guard August 16

Why do we have these brief safety talks? Why do we have to always think about safety?

One of the major reasons is that in order to be safe, you have to be alert. You must be onguard at all times. By talking about safety you develop and strengthen safe work habits.

One of the worst things that you can do is let your guard down by becoming preoccupied byother things. We all have personal problems that plague us to one degree or anotherhealth, bills, the futureor perhaps preoccupation stems from illness or fatigue.

Such preoccupation is a major factor in many on the job mishaps that are sometimemistakenly labeled freak accidents.

When you become lost in though, you are off guard. Youve let your defenses down and arewide open for accidents. If a person is blind or deaf, they learn to compensate for theirhandicap. All the other senses become more alert. When you are preoccupied you are blindand deaf but you dont know it. Your other senses dont become more alert you--areunguarded.

So how do you guard against preoccupation? How, indeed, can you detect thatpreoccupation has reached the point, either in yourself or other, that your easy prey tohazards or hazardous conditions?

If we knew the answer to this, it would mean a major breakthrough in the field of safety. Itwould be nice to be able to take a reading of someones brain waves to see if they were lostin thought and open to an accident. But we dont have that ability. So we do the best we can.

We do this by trying to make safety something that comes naturally to all of us, even whenwe are not consciously thinking about it. These safe work habits will then be so strong, thateven if you become preoccupied at times, your safe habits will prevent you from having anaccident.

Reducing the possibilities of accidents that are caused by a preoccupied mind is a matter ofpreventative safety we must battle daily.



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A product to produce August 17

Talking about safety is a good way to develop safety understanding. So, the more talking wedo on this subject, the better understanding well all have of it, and Im sure it will pay off foreach of us in many ways.

To do something well, it takes the right attitude or state of mind. If we have the right safetyattitudes, well produce a product called safety. When were in the right state of mind, weremore apt to have something else thats very important: alertness, concern, and watchfulness.I suppose vigilance would pretty much cover all three.

Well safety is the product. Its what we get back, and there are a lot of benefits that go with itsuch as health, happiness, peace of mind and freedom from pain and the financial costs ofaccidents and injuries. All these benefits go with a good safety record.

Of course, you all know there is competition in everything. Were not competing against eachother or with accidents. Who wants them? We are competing against the attitudes that leadto accidents: negligence, carelessness and complacency.

With new and faster equipment, there are new and faster ways of getting hurt. Theequipment and the ways of being injured may have changed somewhat, but when your hurt,the pain is always the same. Thats why we want you to have proper attitudes with a greatdeal of alertness, concern and watchfulness to everything and everybody so we can all enjoythe benefits of this product called safety.



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Road Rage - A Father's Wish August 18

Surrounded by a ton or more of steel and glass, we often feel a sense of power and detachment fromothers, whether we are driving as part of our jobs or just getting to and from work. But make amistake behind the wheel, or react with raised fists or a finger to anothers flawed driving, and that

sense of detachment can evaporate pretty quickly. In an instant, an offended driver can charge fromhis vehicle, adrenaline pumping, with the intent of giving you a piece of his mind, or worse, the forceof his fist. Or he or she can use the vehicle as a weapon against yours, with tragic results.

Joe Edmonds got an early education in aggressive driving. Riding with his father, he learned thatother drivers were idiots. On one occasion when a group of hooting and hollering young peoplepassed his dads family sedan, his fathers response was to floor the accelerator pedal to teach themnot to make fun of him.

Joe followed his dads example, venting his own frustrations with other drivers by yelling andgesturing angrily. But Edmonds demeanor behind the wheel took an abrupt about-face last year afterone of his sons, Jason, 23, lost his life in a collision attributed to road rage.

I refer to myself as a recovering aggressive driver, says the golf instructor, who, with help from sonsJordan, 20, and Cameron, 18, has been delivering seminars on road rage since his sons death lastyear. Its difficult every time, because youre dredging up your emotions, but I get to tell everyonewhat a great guy he was and I get to show them (through video clips.) I also get to feel like hismemory is helping somebody, somewhere, avoid what happened to us, says Edmonds. Hes therewith me. He gets me through it.

Jason, who was pursuing an acting career, didnt have a drivers license. Had he been a driver, hemight have been more vocal against the driver whose actions were to cause his death and those oftwo other young passengers in the car. The driver had been transporting Jason and three otherfriends when they got behind a vehicle which was moving slowly. The drivers response was to

overtake the slower vehicle and then slow down dramatically. The other driver took the bait and didthe same to him. The deadly cat and mouse game progressed until Jasons driver lost control of thevehicle. The car crossed the median, clipped another vehicle, spun sideways and was struckbroadside by a minivan and then a second vehicle.

Jason and one friend died at the scene. Another succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The driver ofthe slow moving vehicle, who sparked the road rage wrath, left the scene. Edmonds says he laterfound out that Jasons driver, who faces three counts of criminal negligence causing death, had ahistory of driving recklessly. A former girlfriend says she broke up with him because she feared sheddie as a result of his driving.

Theres less and less patience in society nowadays, partly because of the pace of society. We want

everything now. Theres also less respect for people in general and for authority, he says.Edmonds is speaking publicly about his sons fate in hopes of getting people to assess their ownaggression behind the wheel, and take steps to control it. He also provides tips on how to avoidengaging the attention of a road rage incident.

If recounting the details of this tragedy can save even one other family from experiencing what wevegone through, my sons death will have had some positive meaning, he says.Joe Edmonds quotes American behaviorist Redford Williams, who says people should askthemselves three questions when they are starting to lose control:



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Is this situation important to me?

Is my reaction justified by the facts?

Is there anything I can do to fix the situation?

If you cant answer yes to any of these questions, then dont do anything, says Edmonds.



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Get A Handle On Stress! August 19

Stress is unavoidable. Its your natural response to the challenges and changes of life.You do have a choice in how you deal with stress, though. You can learn to relax physicallyand mentally. You can let off steam through physical exercise. You can reduce the causes ofstress in your life.

Here are some healthy ways to deal with stress:

Keep your sense of humor. Theres usually something to laugh about no matter how

bad things are.

Get regular exercise. This will improve your fitness for dealing with all of lifes physical

and mental challenges. It is also a good way to shift your focus away from thingswhich upset you or make you angry. A simple and effective response to an unhealthystress problem is to rid yourself of the excess energy by doing something physical

such as sports, running or walking. Eat right to maintain your health. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, the fresher the

better. Fill up on complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread, rice, pasta andpotatoes. Skip the foods filled with fat and sugar.

Get enough sleep. Individual sleep needs vary, but you should sleep long enough to

wake up feeling rested and refreshed. Sleep patterns are often disrupted when aperson is stressed.

Cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine kick your body into high gear and can add to your

stress level over the long run, so cut back or quit. If you need help in staying offalcohol or drugs, get help from a treatment program or self-help group.

Manage your time wisely. Do the most important things first.

Talk about your problems. The listener may not be able to offer solutions, but talkingthem out helps put your problems in perspective.

Learn some relaxation techniques. Heres a simple one: Close your eyes for a few

moments and breath in and out deeply and slowly. Concentrate on the sensation ofbreathing. Obviously, you cant do this while you are doing something like driving oroperating a drill press, but you can do it while you are taking a break.

Look on the bright side. Optimism is a good antidote for stress.

Most people are well into unhealthy stress situations before they realize it. People

around them can help by noting their symptoms and letting them know.

When you are feeling worried, remember that most of the things we fear never actuallyhappen. Save the heavy stress reactions for genuinely threatening situations. In themeantime, relax and try to enjoy your life today!



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Deer Mice Carry Deadly Virus August 20

Deer mice can carry a virus, which causes a deadly respiratory disease.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is an illness, which kills about half of its victims. It is spreadthrough the droppings of deer mice and several related animals.First recognized in the early 1990s in the US Southwest, the disease has probably beenaround for at least 40 years. It has spread in the last decade to many locations in the UnitedStates and Canada.

The virus is found in the mouse's urine, feces, saliva and nesting materials. Workers can beexposed to Hantavirus by inhaling dust from nests and areas frequented by the rodents. Thiscan occur during demolition or cleaning of sheds, basements, attics, camps, field offices,woodpiles and other locations favored by the deer mice.Symptoms start several weeks after exposure with flu-like complaints including fever, chills,

and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, coughing and shortness of breathmay also occur. Respiratory distress then develops, with the lungs quickly filling with fluid.

These are some of the precautions for cleaning areas where rodent droppings or nestmaterials may be present:

Wear rubber or plastic gloves, an air-purifying respirator with a HEPA filter, and

disposable coveralls.

Ventilate the area before attempting to clean.

Apply a bleach solution with sponges or mops. Saturate nesting areas, droppings and

carcasses before moving them. Do not vacuum, dust or sweep because thesemethods will raise the dust. Be careful not to pull contaminated materials down onto

yourself from overhead surfaces. Damp-wipe all surfaces the rodents may have touched.

Double-bag contaminated material before disposing of it.

Wash your hands and face and change to clean clothes when you finish.

Prevent rodent infestations by sealing openings into buildings. To make sure the building isrodent-proof, set some traps to see if any have entered.

Although hantavirus is rarely encountered by the general population, it is of concern forpeople who work outdoors or in structures attractive to rodents. If you suspect you may havecontracted hantavirus, seek medical help immediately



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Food Poisoning Can Kill August 21

Think twice before you bite into a sandwich, which has been sitting, in your locker at work fora couple of days. Use a clean knife to slice the apple in your lunch bucket -- not your grimy

pocket jackknife. Don't accept a partially cooked hamburger at the neighborhood barbecue.It is estimated in the United States alone over 9,000 people a year die from food borneillnesses, and millions get sick. Careful food handling is the key to preventing these foodillnesses.

You also need to make sure foods are free from contamination when you eat in restaurants.Take note of cleanliness and food handling practices, and if you have doubts about thesafety of the food, don't eat it. Food poisoning symptoms can range from mild stomachupset to death. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms. Bloody diarrhea andkidney failure can also result, for instance from E. Coli, a micro-organism found ininsufficiently cooked meat. Salmonella and camplyobacter are two kinds of bacteria found onraw chicken and eggs, as well other meat and unpasteurized milk. The liver diseaseHepatitis A is spread through dirty kitchens and unclean food preparers.

Food safety starts when you go shopping. Here are some guidelines:

Check dates on all food, especially meat. Do not use this food after the "sell by" or

"expiration" date.

Keep raw meats separate from other foods, especially produce, in shopping baskets,

grocery bags and your refrigerator. Because meat packaging often leaks, you shouldwash your hands after handling meat at the store. Meat should be packed in anadditional plastic bag so the juice does not contaminate other foods.

Shop for meats, poultry and seafood last, so they will spend a minimum of time away

from refrigeration. Save your grocery shopping for your last errand so you can gostraight home and put the foods such as meat and dairy products away.

Skip the day-old prepared foods such as barbecued chicken or deli salads.

Dig down into the frozen food bins to select your items. Packages on the top may be

partially thawed.

Check for leaks and bulges on canned goods which can indicate a growth of

dangerous microorganisms. Discard any suspicious-looking cans.

Food poisoning is no fun, and it can be fatal. Keep safety in mind with the foods youpurchase and the foods you prepare at home.



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Hazardous Waste around Your Home August 22

Hazardous waste isn't a problem just for large industries. Your home is full of hazardous productsyou must dispose of safely to protect the environment. When these products are just dumped into alandfill, they can leach into the ground and pollute the water table. They also contribute to air and soil

pollution for years to come.

Check out this list of common products that can be unfriendly to the environment: Batteries, draincleaners, herbicides and pesticides, paint, motor oil, pool chemicals, polishes, solvents, anti-freeze,pharmaceuticals, stain removers, toilet cleaners, wax strippers, oven cleaners, some bathroomcleaners, bleach, lye, wood stains and preservatives, varnish removers and paint thinner.

Try safer alternatives:

Baking soda makes a good scouring powder.

Vinegar and water cleans windows and smooth surfaces.

To make an all-purpose cleaner, mix a half cup of ammonia, a half cup of white vinegar, a

quarter cup of baking soda and a half gallon of water. For a disinfectant, mix a half cup of borax per gallon of hot water.

For a dishwasher detergent, mix one part of borax and one part of washing soda.

For a dishwashing liquid, try a natural soap or a phosphate-free product.

Alternative drain cleaners:

Use a handful of baking soda and a half cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain tightly for one

minute while the mixture fizzes. Flush.

Put a half cup of salt and a half cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with six cups of

boiling water. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Flush with water.

Pour hot water with a half a cup of washing soda down the drain.

Use a plunger, a coat hanger or a mechanical snake to clear drains.

Painting:

Use old paint as primer.

Before disposing of oil-based or enamel paint cans, take outdoors and remove the lid to allow

the contents to air-dry and harden.

Allow used turpentine to sit in a closed jar until the paint particles have settled. Pour off the

clear turpentine and use again.Air quality:

Instead of aerosol products, use pump spray bottles.

Make your own air fresheners by boiling or simmering sweet herbs, flower petals or spices. A

good mixture is cinnamon and cloves.

Keep house plants to clean the air in your home.

Keeping your home clean and aired out will help eliminate odor problems.

Clean heat registers, air ducts and vents on a regular basis to improve air quality.

If you use dangerous products:

Don't purchase more than you need.

Use them up, or give leftovers to someone who can use them.

Separate hazardous materials from your household garbage.

Never dispose of hazardous materials in the sewer system, in storm drains, soil or open

bodies of water.



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Contact your local government for information on how to dispose of them safely.

The average household has a surprising number of products which can cause damage to theenvironment. Use them sparingly, and dispose of them with care



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On your own time August 23

Safety is important not just to you and your family but to your employer as well. Weencourage you to be safe and to think about safety all the time. This takes place on the job,but off the job safety is just as important.

What you do on your own time is you own business, but were all part of a team, and its onlynatural that were concerned about each others welfare both on and off the job. At work yourpart of a safety network that extends into many areas. Here there are rules and regulationsto follow. But off the job youre on you own. You can leave your safety glasses off whenremodeling your kitchen, and you can balance a ladder on a box when your painting thepeak of your house and you might not hear a word out of anyone. However it takes a prettyimmature person to deliberately leave safety at work. Still there are times we all get a littlecareless and we need to guard against those times.

The highways are prime areas of concern for safety away from work. I wont attempt to go

into all the aspects of traffic safety. Theyre emphasized almost everywhere. However Icertainly caution you to keep a cool head while on the road. Be patient getting out of theparking lot and always watch the other driver.

To some degree, most of us are do-it-yourselfers around the home, and this is where anawful lot of people get injured. You have to be careful when using ladders. Making sure yourladder is safe to use before you climb on it, and dont over reach or climb with you feet abovethe second from the top rung.

When using tools, pick the right tool for the job. If you have a tool in poor condition, dont useit. Most all of us have power tools, make sure they are always properly grounded with a three

prong plug or they are double insulated.

The weather is something we cant do anything about. Yet it effects our safety, so we musttake precautions against it. Dont work too long in the hot sun. This can catch up to you fast,particularly if youve worked hard all week at your regular job.

Off the job safety should be second nature if you practice it in earnest at work. So keep aneye for hazards whether youre on a golf course, on a boat or doing yard work. Nationalstatistics show that accidents away from work account for 70% of all deaths and 55% of allinjuries to workers.(Continued)

You are a valuable employee and each of you fits into our overall operation and the overallmanpower picture in the country. Your contributions to the economy would be difficult toreplace if youre injured on or off the job. Add this to the fact you are priceless to you familyand its easy to see why a 24 hour safety effort is necessary.



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Safety attitude August 24

Most of us have had some type of safety training during childhood. We were taught to lookboth ways before crossing a street and not to play with matches. As adults, we are warnedby others and by the media not to smoke in bed, not to stay out in the sun too long, and not

to drive while under the influence of alcohol. And yet as common as these safety rules maybe, how many can truthfully say that we have not turned a light on and off with wet hands,smoked in bed, got sunburned or have driven home from a party after having one too manydrinks.

When employees are aware of the safety rules and disregard them anyway, we say theyhave an unsafe attitude. While at work you need to know all the safety rules and be able todemonstrate the safe way to do a job. But knowing every safety rule ever written will notprotect you if you fail to use that knowledge daily on the job. If you have a habit of doingthings the wrong way because thats the way we were taught, the habit may be difficult tobreak or change, but it can be done. The next time you are about to break a safety rule, stop

and think about what could happen to you, youre co-worker or you family. Imagine the pain,inconvenience and lost time that could result. Then do the job correctly, the safe way. At firstyou will be slowed down a bit, but before long you will start to notice the safe way isbecoming a habit. Safety will turn out to be one of the best habits you have ever hadbecause it will decrease your chances of joining those who are disabled or killed in accidentseach year. Lets start by reviewing a few basic safety rules:

Report all accidents to your supervisor, even though they may seem minor at the

time. Studying the causes of an accident point out ways in which they can beavoided in the future.

Know which types of fire extinguishers may be used safely on each class of fire.

Using the wrong one can be fatal.

Use good body mechanics when lifting or moving an object. Get help when you

need it and let your legs instead of your back do most of the work.

Wear eye protection when needed: there may be flying particles that can enter an

eye in an instant.

Practice good housekeeping to avoid slip and falls. Are all sharp objects covered

to protect against accidental injury.

Take the time to teach your co-workers, in a tactful way of course if you see then

violating a safety rule.No one can say when an unsafe act or condition will result in an accident, when an accidentwill result in an injury, or when that injury will cause a permanent disability of even death. So

dont take chances with your life or heath; lets resolve to work safely.



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Use The Correct Hand Tool August 25

Misuse and lack of proper maintenance are the cause of many injuries from hand tools.Specific safety rules will vary greatly from one type of hand tool to another, but these

general guidelines apply to most:

Choose the right tool for each job -- dont improvise. Be sure to use the tool for the

purpose for which it was intended.

Examine the tool before use to make sure it is in good repair. Check for defects such

as chips, cracks, dents, worn jaws on wrenches and pliers, mushroomed heads onstriking tools and damaged or loose handles.

If you find a tool to be defective, remove it from service so it can be repaired or

discarded.

Maintain your tools according to manufacturers directions. Keep them clean, dry and

lubricated if required.

Avoid temperature extremes which may damage tools. Keep cutting tools sharp. Surprisingly, dull blades are the cause of many injuries.

Aim the cut away from yourself and from other workers when using cutting tools.

Have specific places to store hand tools, and put them back as soon as you have

used them.

Never carry tools in your pockets because they can cause injury especially sharp

tools. Carry them in a work apron, tool belt or tool box. When climbing a ladder, dontcarry your tools in your hands. Instead, carry them in a tool belt or hoist them up.

When passing a tool to another worker, hand it over. Never throw it because you

could injure another person and damage the tool.

Before swinging a tool (such as an ax or sledge) look around to make sure no one isin the way.

Dont use excess force. Never use cheaters or pipe extensions on tools such as

wrenches.

Never depend on an insulated tool such as a screwdriver to protect you from electrical

shock. You must take all other precautions.

Similarly, never depend on supposedly non-sparking tools to prevent ignition around

flammable substances and in hazardous atmospheres. You must be sure to take allother precautions.

Some tasks for which you use hand tools can contribute to hand and wrist injuries

and even back injuries. These are caused by repeated impact, strain and vibration.There are a number of things you can do to prevent these injuries. Work with yourback in a comfortable straight position. Keep your shoulders, elbows and wrists in acomfortable alignment. Do not twist your hands or wrists. Specially designed toolswith extra padding can help to prevent some of these injuries.

There is another tool which you should use whenever you are using hand tools. That

is your eye protection. Make sure you wear the appropriate safety glasses with sideshields, or safety goggles.



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Hand tools may look relatively harmless, but they do contribute to many workplaceinjuries. Use them with care.



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Safe On Your Time August 26

Most of us have heard about the mechanic who is so busy fixing everyone elses car that hisown is a wreck in search of a junkyard. Many workers adopt a similar attitude toward safety

once theyve punched out for the day. An employee who diligently uses eye and hearingprotection equipment at work may wear nothing but shorts and sandals while mowing thelawn at home. Another who would never risk working under the influence of alcohol will takea big chance driving home after a night out at the bar. The difficulty at home is we must relyon our self-control to engage in safe behaviors, says Horacio Roman of the Center forBehavioral Safety Research at the University of Nevada in Reno.

Roman says once at home and no longer bound by the safety rules and supervision of theworkplace, there are plenty of incentives for rushing a task so people can have more time forrelaxation or fun. Driving past the point of exhaustion to reach a vacation destination or nottaking a few extra seconds to buckle up are examples of risky off-the-job behaviors that canhave fatal consequences. Of the 97,300 unintentional injury deaths occurring in the UnitedStates during 2010, about 45 per cent (43,501) involved motor vehicles. Alcohol played apart in more than a third of the fatal crashes. Next came falls (16,274), poisonings (10,255),drowning (4,406) and choking incidents (3,515).

Probably half of those (motor vehicle) deaths could be prevented if people stopped drinkingand driving, or if everyone wore seat belts every time they drove or rode in a vehicle, saysDr. David Sleet, associate director of science at the US Centers for Disease Control andPreventions Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention.

Sleet noted those who dont buckle up are often ejected from vehicles during crashes.When safe behaviors are mandated in one setting and not in another, you cant expect a lotof carryover, says Sleet. But if safe behaviors are voluntary, its most likely those behaviorswill be carried over.

According to Roman, various factors can affect our off-the job safety from one day to thenext. If someone is nagging at you to clean the leaves out of the roof gutter, but you are tiredand would rather flop on the couch, safety can lose out to impatience to get the job done asquickly as possible. It comes down to stopping and thinking about all the possibleconsequences. Am I prepared? Do I have the right equipment and tools? Do I need help?he says.

Leo Eisner of Eisner Safety Consultants in Santa Barbara, CA, says people are bound byrules and regulations at work, but often they dont think about the regulations in the sameway at home. For example, Eisner says, they dont read directions or warnings. As aresult, people risk injury or illness by not operating equipment properly or not followingdirections for safe use of a chemical.

About 75 per cent of all unintentional deaths and more than half of all injuries occur off thejob. Next time youre standing on the top rung of a rickety stepladder, remember that anestimated 150,000 ladder injury occur in the US each year. And next time youre taking a



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spin on your bike without a helmet, remember those 100,000 head injuries and 150 deathscould be eliminated each year in the US if people wore bicycle helmets.



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Falls Cause Serious Injuries August 27

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. In fact, falls are second only to motor vehicleaccidents as the leading cause of accidental deaths in North America. Surprisingly, most ofthese falls are from the same level -- the kind of fall you would have if you lost your footing or

balance.

While falls are among the most common accidents, they are also among the mostpreventable. In many cases, you have control over whether or not you are going to fall. Ifyou move carefully and remain alert to hazards, you can stay on your feet.

There are two main causes of a fall. One is the loss of friction between your feet and thefloor. This occurs when your shoes or the floor are slippery. The result is that you lose yourfooting and slip. The other cause of falling is when your feet are halted and the rest of you

keeps going. This is what happens when you trip. In either a slip or a trip, your body'scenter of gravity is displaced, and there is nowhere to go but down.

Here are some ways to prevent falls:If it isn't moving, it shouldn't be in a traffic area. Walkways and stairways must bekept free of clutter.Keep hoses, cables, and cords out of walkways.Watch for, and repair or report, broken stairs, railings, and loose carpeting.Use good lighting in walkways and stairways. Turn on the light before entering aroom.

Use the handrail on stairs.Don't run on stairways or through work areas.Do not carry loads that obstruct your vision.Don't lean back in chairs.Watch for floor openings, such as uncovered drains or crawl spaces. Make sure theyare covered and guarded.If you must walk on a surface that is slippery or uneven, walk slowly and take shortsteps.Wear non-slip shoes when you might encounter slippery surfaces.Clean up or report spills right away.Close drawers to prevent someone from tripping over them.

Watch for newly waxed floors and high gloss surfaces.Obey signs such as "Caution - Wet Floor".Be careful when you come indoors in wet or snowy weather. Your boots or shoes arelikely to be slippery, and there may be wet spots on the floors.

If you do start to fall, these tips could save you from injury: Relax, bend your arms and legs, try to gently fall to the floor. Catch your fall with your hands to absorb some of the impact.



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Try to roll to prevent bone injuries. Do not move if you think you might have hurt yourself. Wait for help.

If we're lucky, a fall will hurt nothing more than our pride. But falls do cause many

serious injuries and even deaths every year. Take precautions to avoid them.



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Take This Quiz to See if You Drive Distracted August 28

The driver's seat of a car is rife with temptations. You can carry on a telephoneconversation, electronically map the route to your destination, nosh on a burger, or sing

along with the Supremes. Many think they can handle such distractions without causing acrash. But the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety estimates that distracted driverscause one-fourth to one-half of the approximately 6 million crashes each year. Do you letdistractions drive you? Take this quiz to find out.

1. You're merging into highway traffic and the cell phone on your passenger seatrings. Do you:

Let it ringReach across the passenger seat and turn the phone off

Answer the phone

Answer: A Let it ring. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,600-1,000 motorists died from cell phone-related crashes in 2010. Another NHTSA surveyfound that 44 percent of drivers have cell phones in their cars, and 70 percent of all wirelesscalls are made from cars. "Everyone feels that driving is a fairly easy task," says Rick Painof the Transportation Research Board, a unit of the National Academies. "So much of it isautomated that we don't pay attention. We feel that we have the spare capacity to do otherthings."

Keith Kirchhoefer of Wildwood, Missouri, was hit from behind by a motorist who wason his cell phone. "He admitted to being distracted and subsequently caused a three-carpileup," he says.

If your phone rings while you're driving, let your voice-mail answer the call. If your

phone has a "missed call" feature, you can access the caller's number later. If you mustanswer, pull over to the side of the road first.

While a cell-phone headset enables a driver to carry on a conversation withoutremoving hands from the steering wheel, it also significantly increases the chances ofcausing a crash because you can't hear traffic as well as you should. "You always put theheadset on the ear you hear best from, leaving the weakest ear to listen to traffic sounds,"says James Solomon, defensive driving expert for the National Safety Council.

2. True or False? As long as you look up every 2 or 3 seconds, you can put acompact disc in the player, put on lipstick, or eat a burger while you're driving.

Answer: False. While you may think you can do it all, your brain has limitations. "Any timeyour mind is taken off the driving task, you and those around you are at risk," Solomon says.

The design of roadway curves and intersections and placement of traffic lights allowonly 1 3/4 seconds to recognize such safety hazards as a driver ahead of you slamming onhis brakes or a child's ball rolling out into the road, Solomon says. It takes an additionalthree-fourths of a second to react. "That's plenty of time if you're not eating a hamburger,smoking a cigarette, or reading a book," he says.



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3. You're not even to the stop sign at the end of the street and already your childrenare fighting in the back seat. Which is the worst response?

Pull off the road before you deliver disciplineExplain to the children the importance of being quiet while you driveReach behind you with one hand to grab the offender

Answer: C. "If you have to do a serious interaction with your kids, it requires all yourattention," says Pain. "Don't drive one-handed. If you have to deal with your kids whiledriving, pull off the road."

A driver's responsibility is no different from that of an airplane pilot, Solomon says."You carry the same responsibility for your craft, your cargo, and your people on board," hesays. "Distractions must be kept to a minimum or put aside."

Before you begin your trip, tell preschool and older children that you expect them tokeep the peace, at least until you get to your destination. Bring along toys or books for eachchild to keep them occupied. "We bring along age-appropriate books and games for each ofour three children," Kirchhoefer says. "And we'll stop the car when things get out of hand in

the back seat."

4. True of False? The technology installed in your new car must be safe to use whiledriving. After all, you can find a street address, be warned of a car in your blind spot,or automatically dial 9-1-1.

Answer: False. "Any one of those devices by itself is a problem but not a huge crisis,"says Pain. "But when you have several working in the car at the same time, you havemultiple sources of distraction, and that is a real concern."

While car manufacturers are working to maintain safety even as they offer suchdistracting devices, there are no guidelines for system design and no way of measuring how

distracting they can be, Pain says.Some of the devices require drivers to look at them 40 separate times to complete a

task. That is far too distracting, says Tom Dingus, director of the Virginia TechTransportation Institute. "If you have to look at something more than three or four times tocomplete a task, pull over and stop," he says.

How did you score?Now take what you've learned on the road. To cut down on distractions, get organizedbefore your journey begins. Plot the best route to your destination before starting the car.Have maps ready so you don't have to reach across the passenger seat to get them out ofthe glove compartment. Put a compact disc into the player. Insert your next "book on tape"into the tape deck. Clear your mind, and be ready to focus on your most important job

during the trip: driving. Remember, no distraction, no matter how urgent, is worth yourlife.



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Keep the Sting Out of Summer August 29

Ah summer, a time for picnics, barbecues, and bees. You can enjoy the outdoors withoutgetting stung. Follow these tips from the University of Delaware:

When cooking outdoors, cover food and beverages so wasps and bees are not

attracted to them.

Don't drink directly from open soda cans outdoors, since wasps and bees can crawl

inside. Use a straw or pour soda into cups instead.

When eating outdoors at parks and restaurants, don't sit close to trash containers.

Never play near beehives, even if they appear to be empty.

Avoid wearing bright colors -- especially white, blue, and yellow.

Don't wear perfume, scented hairsprays, and scented deodorants. Don't burn

scented candles outdoors.

Don't wave your arms and hands to swat bees and wasps away; this may only make

them more defensive. Instead, get up slowly and walk away, taking your food anddrink with you, until they've flown away.

Bees and wasps are more aggressive in late summer and early fall, when their natural

food supply starts to dwindle.

If you're allergic to insect stings, carry a sting emergency kit with you at all times.If you experience shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or other abnormal symptoms aftera sting and do not have a sting kit, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Anyone who is stung around the face and throat should receive medical treatment --even if he or she is not allergic to bee stings.



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Participate in safety August 30

Sometimes accidents happen because we overlook a hazardous condition. Dangerousconditio

august 2013 daily safety focus

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